News
Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels appoint new Group Human Resources Director
Maldives.net.mv – Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection, the management group that operates the Coco Resorts : Hotels : Retreats properties, has appointed Ms Joanne Brown as their new Group Human Resources Director, effective March 01. Joanne is based in the group’s stylish resort Coco Bodu Hithi, only 40 minutes from the capital Male, where she will travel frequently to support the HR and management team in the company’s newly built Head Office.
Joanne has forged a strong bond with the Maldives and its people over the years, as she served at some of the foremost hospitality brands with a presence in this small island nation, like Six Senses, Per Aquum, and Jumeirah. Originally from Australia, Joanne started her hospitality career early on with a stint in the Retail sector of the Hyatt Regency Coolum, before she endeavored on her successful path to becoming a recognized Human Resources authority. This path led her through several countries – she went from Hyatt Regency Coolum, to the Radisson Resort Gold Coast Australia, on to Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, and Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia, amongst others – and exposed her to a variety of proven as well as newly created strategies to develop hospitality talent.
“I have a passion for delivering best practice HR, what I call ‘Heart HR’, and I take pride in having been instrumental in ensuring that many of my former junior colleagues have grown into successful professionals in their fields. I am proud to have been selected to head up the HR initiatives at Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels, and look forward to implement the COO’s vision for the company when it comes to employee management and to ensure the continued growth of our team members and resorts alike”, comments Joanne Brown, new Group HR Director for Coco Collection and Sunland Hotels.
Joanne is recognized for her success in training and employee management and, in her most recent position, she was in charge of more than 350 team members and redesigned the existing Performance Management system to better support the individual professional growth of each associate. In her role as Group Human Resources Director for Sunland Hotels and Coco Collection, Joanne will support Mr. Nick Simmonds, the COO of the group, in implementing new training programmes and methods to empower team members, so that smooth operations and satisfied employees will go hand in hand.
Featured
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands unveils sustainable holiday centrepiece
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, has introduced the Maldives’ most sustainable Christmas tree for 2024, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious holiday celebrations. The tree, crafted entirely from natural materials such as dry rattans and bamboo, ensures that every component will be repurposed after the festive season, leaving no waste behind.
Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, emphasised the resort’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the Christmas tree exemplifies how luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist. He highlighted the use of thoughtful design and natural materials to create a visually striking centrepiece with a lasting positive impact.
The tree’s minimalist design reflects the resort’s dedication to balance and harmony with nature, showcasing the potential of renewable materials while embodying the festive spirit. Following the holiday season, the materials will be repurposed into practical or decorative items, aligning with the resort’s circular economy initiatives.
Guests are encouraged to view this remarkable centrepiece and engage in a festive experience that mirrors the resort’s core values of sustainability and thoughtful design.
This initiative complements Patina Maldives’ broader sustainability efforts, including renewable energy adoption, zero-waste kitchens, and marine conservation programs. By integrating these principles into holiday traditions, the resort reinforces its belief that luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.
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Visit Maldives launches ‘Burunu Boma’: nation’s largest sports fishing tournament
The Visit Maldives Club (VMC) officially launched the Maldives’ largest sports fishing tournament, ‘Burunu Boma,’ on December 20, 2024, during a ceremony held at the Malé Table Tennis Hall. The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam.
The launch represents a significant step in promoting sports tourism in the Maldives while underscoring the nation’s dedication to sustainable fishing practices. Scheduled to take place between April and May 2025, the Burunu Boma tournament aims to attract international fishing enthusiasts as well as participants from the Maldives tourism industry. During the ceremony, the Burunu Boma microsite and the winner’s digital shield were unveiled.
Minister Ahmed Shiyam highlighted the notable contributions of the sports fishing community, particularly within the Maldives. He described the Burunu Boma tournament as the largest of its kind in the country and announced Crossroads Marina as its upcoming venue, marking a first for the location. The Minister expressed confidence in the event’s potential to boost tourism and draw a larger number of sports fishing enthusiasts to the Maldives.
MMPRC CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree outlined plans to diversify Maldivian tourism through this initiative. He emphasised that Burunu Boma is intended to become a flagship international sports fishing festival, with several events leading up to it. Shiuree expressed the goal of positioning the Maldives prominently on the international tourism calendar as a prime destination for sports fishing enthusiasts.
Visit Maldives Club President Ahmed Saaif emphasised the tournament’s long-term vision, stating that it is designed to be an annual event, establishing itself as a key fixture in the Maldives tourism industry.
The Burunu Boma tournament places strong emphasis on the ‘catch and release’ method, reflecting a commitment to protecting the Maldives’ marine environment. This focus aligns with the country’s broader tourism strategy, which has prioritised environmental conservation since the industry’s inception.
Through initiatives like Burunu Boma, the Visit Maldives Club seeks to elevate the Maldives’ status as a premier global destination, promoting sustainable practices and showcasing the nation’s potential for sports tourism.
Featured
Spa Ceylon Boutique opens at Reethi Beach Resort
Reethi Beach Resort has announced the grand opening of the Spa Ceylon Boutique, a luxurious sanctuary of wellness now located on the resort’s picturesque island.
The opening ceremony, held the previous evening, was an elegant event attended by esteemed guests, including Dr. Abdulla Niyaz, Minister of State for the Tourism Ministry, along with his family. Other notable attendees included Mohamed Ali, Managing Director, Captain Ibrahim Didi, Director, and Jerome Ricardo Decker, Country Director.
Spa Ceylon, a globally renowned luxury Ayurveda brand, is celebrated for its fusion of age-old traditions with modern elegance, offering a distinctive wellness experience. The brand is known for its use of natural and sustainable ingredients to create products that rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. The new boutique at Reethi Beach Resort provides guests with an opportunity to experience this unique blend of heritage and holistic luxury.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a vibrant cocktail reception, reflecting a spirit of celebration and togetherness. The event not only represented a significant milestone for the resort but also reinforced its dedication to delivering world-class experiences.
Valentin Osolos, General Manager of Reethi Beach Resort, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Spa Ceylon signifies a shared vision of creating spaces where luxury meets mindfulness. The addition of this boutique enhances our offerings, ensuring our guests have access to the finest wellness solutions during their stay.”
Visitors to the Spa Ceylon Boutique can explore a diverse range of wellness products, including soothing balms, aromatic oils, skincare solutions, and indulgent bath essentials. More than just a retail space, the boutique offers an immersive journey into the art of self-care, inspired by Ayurvedic traditions and royal heritage.
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